Category: Resources

HURRICANE SEASON IS STILL WITH US

Posted on September 1, 2020 by East Lyme

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1st through November 30th. We are ½ way through. The most active period for Atlantic hurricanes is mid August to the end of October. It’s not time to let down your guard. Ever wonder what the Category scale means? Here is a brief overview. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures. Be safe and be prepared!!

Category 1-  74 to 95 mph very dangerous winds will produce some damage

Category 2-  96 to 110 mph extremely dangerous winds will produce extensive damage

Category 3-  111 to 129 mph Major: devastating damage will occur

Category 4-  130 to 156 mph Major: catastrophic damage will occur

Category 5-  157 mph or higher Major: catastrophic damage will occur

ELECTION DAY IS COMING on Tuesday, November 3rd

Posted on September 1, 2020 by East Lyme

The Registrars of Voters want you to know that if you are not a registered voter but want to become one, you still have time before the national election. The Registrars’ office is located within the East Lyme Community Center and their office hours are: Mon and Tue 8am to 12pm – Wed 8am to 4pm and Thu and Fri 12pm to 4pm. When you arrive, you will need to provide some sort of identification and proof of address. Your CT driver’s license will suffice but if you do not have one, you can provide the last 4 digits of your social security number and a copy of a current and valid photo ID OR the last 4 digits of your social security number and a current utility bill, or a current bank statement, or a current government check, or a current paycheck or any other government document that shows name and address.
The Town Clerk’s office would like you to know that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Connecticut Secretary of State’s Office will be mailing out absentee ballot applications to every registered voter in mid-September. If you choose to vote by absentee you can fill out the application and mail it to the East Lyme Town Clerk in the self-addressed stamped envelope that is provided with each application. You can also put the application in the drop box in front of the Town Hall (street side at the top of the stairs and the handicapped ramp) or you can bring it into the Town Clerk’s Office. If you have any questions when you receive that application please contact Karen Miller Galbo, East Lyme Town Clerk at 860-739-6931 ext. 1135.
There are 3 polling locations this year. Please be sure you know which poll you go to vote.
Lastly, the Senior Center will be providing rides to the polls. But, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our vehicles are limited to one person onboard at a time. If you are doing to request transportation from us, please make your request as soon as you can.

Perennials, Active Agers, Baby boomers – CONTENT BY JUDY

Posted on August 3, 2020

Just what are we? And are you paying attention to us??

A search for a term that doesn’t offend is taking place. Trying to avoid terms like senior citizen, retiree, elder and the elderly. The question becomes what do we call everyone 55+?

Terms are materializing that are perhaps more appropriate and appealing.

The term, Baby Boomer was created and has been used since all those World War II babies were being born. This group has changed and revolutionized the United States as the have passed though each phase of aging. And they will and are changing and redefining the term senior each day. Just look around – they are not stationary, boring or old.

The title, Perennial has been around for several years now and refers to blooming again and again. And yes, we do that again and again during our lives. We become young adults striking out on our own. We become homeowners, parents. So forth and so on as we parade along the paths of our lives. Ever changing and blossoming into the “new” me.

Active Ager is a newer term and defines seniors as young at heart, tech-loving, gym-using, trend setting, fun-seeking marketer’s dream. This term might be the best fitting so far as each generation is truly younger than the generation before them.

Whatever term you use 55+ adults are strong, happy, healthy. They are using and buying what they choose. They want the same products all ages want and use. They are not to be overlooked as they are living longer, working longer, staying healthier and maintaining their independent as well.

Call them what you will but remember they spend over $3 trillion on products and services each year.

Perennials, Active Agers, Baby boomers – CONTENT BY JUDY

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Griswold

Just what are we? And are you paying attention to us??

A search for a term that doesn’t offend is taking place. Trying to avoid terms like senior citizen, retiree, elder and the elderly. The question becomes what do we call everyone 55+?

Terms are materializing that are perhaps more appropriate and appealing.

The term, Baby Boomer was created and has been used since all those World War II babies were being born. This group has changed and revolutionized the United States as the have passed though each phase of aging. And they will and are changing and redefining the term senior each day. Just look around – they are not stationary, boring or old.

The title, Perennial has been around for several years now and refers to blooming again and again. And yes, we do that again and again during our lives. We become young adults striking out on our own. We become homeowners, parents. So forth and so on as we parade along the paths of our lives. Ever changing and blossoming into the “new” me.

Active Ager is a newer term and defines seniors as young at heart, tech-loving, gym-using, trend setting, fun-seeking marketer’s dream. This term might be the best fitting so far as each generation is truly younger than the generation before them.

Whatever term you use 55+ adults are strong, happy, healthy. They are using and buying what they choose. They want the same products all ages want and use. They are not to be overlooked as they are living longer, working longer, staying healthier and maintaining their independent as well.

Call them what you will but remember they spend over $3 trillion on products and services each year.

Perennials, Active Agers, Baby boomers – CONTENT BY JUDY

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Norwich

Just what are we? And are you paying attention to us??

A search for a term that doesn’t offend is taking place. Trying to avoid terms like senior citizen, retiree, elder and the elderly. The question becomes what do we call everyone 55+?

Terms are materializing that are perhaps more appropriate and appealing.

The term, Baby Boomer was created and has been used since all those World War II babies were being born. This group has changed and revolutionized the United States as the have passed though each phase of aging. And they will and are changing and redefining the term senior each day. Just look around – they are not stationary, boring or old.

The title, Perennial has been around for several years now and refers to blooming again and again. And yes, we do that again and again during our lives. We become young adults striking out on our own. We become homeowners, parents. So forth and so on as we parade along the paths of our lives. Ever changing and blossoming into the “new” me.

Active Ager is a newer term and defines seniors as young at heart, tech-loving, gym-using, trend setting, fun-seeking marketer’s dream. This term might be the best fitting so far as each generation is truly younger than the generation before them.

Whatever term you use 55+ adults are strong, happy, healthy. They are using and buying what they choose. They want the same products all ages want and use. They are not to be overlooked as they are living longer, working longer, staying healthier and maintaining their independent as well.

Call them what you will but remember they spend over $3 trillion on products and services each year.

Farmer’s Market Coupon Distribution Plan

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Norwich

Farmer’s Market coupons are available to low income seniors who meet certain eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements in order to receive a coupon booklet:

¨ You must be 60 years or older.

¨ Yearly income not to exceed $23,606 for single or $31,894 for couple.

¨ Must be participating in another need based program that verifies income eligibility such as Renter’s Rebate, Congregate Meal Program, Medicaid, SNAP, etc.

¨ You must be a resident of the town you receive the coupon booklet from.

¨ If you are under 60 and disabled you must meet all other eligibility requirements and live in subsidized housing to be eligible.

Limited books available, contact the appropriate person for availability.  See below.

HOW TO RECIEVE A COUPON BOOKLET:

If you live in any Norwich Area Senior Housing:

If you live in Senior or Congregate Housing you MUST obtain your coupons at that housing.

ALL Norwich Senior Housings will receive booklets to distribute to their residents.  You must contact either the Resident Service Coordinator or his/her designee.

When you contact your Resident Service Coordinator, you will be required to verbally state that you meet the income limits and eligibility criteria for receiving a booklet.  You will be asked to give a small amount of information such as your Name and Address.  You do not need to sign for the coupon booklet.  If you will be accepting the coupons and someone else will be shopping for you, you will be required to fill out a Proxy form, which your Resident Service Coordinator will have.

Limit of one coupon booklet per eligible senior.  You CANNOT get booklets from multiple sites.

If you live in the Norwich/Taftville Community (non-senior housing):

If you do not live in senior housing and you meet the eligibility requirements for a booklet, you must call the Senior Center at (860) 889-5960 to register yourself for a booklet.  Once you have registered, you will be given a date and a time frame for which you can come to the Senior Center and pick up your coupon booklet.

When you call to register, you will be required to verbally state that you meet the income limits and eligibility criteria for receiving a booklet. You will be asked to give a small amount of information such as your Name and Address.  You do not need to sign for the coupon booklet.  If you will be accepting the coupons and someone else will be shopping for you, please indicate that so we can include the Proxy form with your booklet when you come to pick it up.

Limit of one coupon booklet per eligible senior.  You CANNOT get booklets from multiple sites.

You may ONLY receive a booklet if you live in the City of Norwich or Taftville.

The Rose City Senior Center is currently closed to the public.

Please DO NOT show up unless you have called to register for a booklet

and have been given a date and time to pick it up.

 

 

2020 Census

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Norwich

If you have not yet completed the 2020 Census, please do so today.

Every household has been mailed the 2020 Census form and your response is required by law.  You can complete the Census online following the instructions that were included in the mailing or you can complete and return the paper questionnaire that was mailed to you.

For those who do not complete the form online or by filling out and returning the paper form, a Census worker will be sent to your home starting sometime in August.

Filling out and returning your responses to the 2020 Census is important for our local community.  For every person Norwich does not count we lose $2900 in taxes…taxes that could go towards fixing roads and bridges, housing assistance, education or even supporting programs like Medicare part B.

If you need help completing the 2020 Census, please call the Senior Center.  Everyone Counts!

 

Renter’s Rebate Program

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Norwich

Assistance is available over the phone to apply. 

No in-person appointments at this time.

Please contact the appropriate person (below) for more information.

A program for low income elderly (65+) or disabled individuals who have rented in CT in 2019 and have not applied for the homeowners Circuit Breaker Program.  Program open through October 1, 2020.

Income Limits:

Single: $37,000 yearly or less    Couple: $45,100 yearly or less

For assistance, please call:

Norwich residents, 55 and older call the Rose City Senior Center at (860) 889-5960.

Ask for Carolyn’s voicemail and leave a message.  Carolyn will call you back.

If you are under 55 and a Norwich resident, call Norwich Human Services at (860) 823-3778.

► If you reside in Senior Housing, please call your

 Resident Services Coordinator at your housing complex for information.